Page 35 - European Energy Innovation - autumn 2018 publication
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Autumn 2018 European Energy Innovation 35
DENMARK ENERGY
promises made in Paris less than Again the Danish cure can be Morten Helveg Petersen has
three years ago. The apparent prescribed. Already wind is powering served as a member of the
inconsistency between words over 2 million Californian homes European Parliament since 2014
and actions should be a cause for (despite the President’s fascination as a Vice-President of ITRE,
concern. Especially when those with coal) and in China, a quarter of acting as rapporteur of the
actions constitute a threat to our the total power generation comes ACER Regulation and shadow
citizens and our planet, as CO2- from renewables. rapporteur on the
emissions and global temperature Energy Performance of Buildings
levels continue to rise. But there is a long way to go, Directive, as well as the
considering global trends in energy Electricity Market Design files
DANISH CURE consumption. We are far from and the Gas Di-rective. Before
Fortunately there is a cure. In reaching an ideal and sustainable that, he served as a member of
Northern Europe, experts have found solution, as oil still accounts for the Danish parliament from 1998
that a combination of renewable about 35% of energy consumption, to 2009 and thereafter worked
energy and energy efficiency have coal close to 30% and natural gas for the European Commission
helped reduce CO2-emissions, while almost 25% globally. and the Confederation of Danish
growing the economy. In fact already Industries.
in the early stages of the treatment, In addition, we know that climate
Denmark was able to double the size change also accelerates other global
of its GDP, while reducing greenhouse problems including migration. As
gas emissions. countries in Africa and elsewhere
experience more draughts and floods,
Today Denmark is on track to 100% harvests are hollowed out leading
renewable electricity in 2030 with to poverty and hunger in fragile
new offshore wind parks contributing communities. This in turn increases
to an ever-more sustainable energy the scope of migration, which
supply. threatens stability both in the country
of origin, as well as the transit and
If the infected European governments recipient regions. In a world of almost
try this cure, they will find that Green 10 billion people by the middle of this
Amnesia is significantly reduced in century, solving climate change thus
scope. Furthermore patients will has important effects on other key
notice side effects such as challenges.
decreased pollution, healthier
citizens and better environment. With The threat of Green Amnesia is severe.
treatment becoming more effective Though solutions are well known
and cheaper every year, benefits now and fully cost-effective, we still lack
also include substantial economic political leadership to take action.
gains, as energy bills for consumers, I therefore urge citizens, political
companies and public authorities colleagues and NGOs to continue
continue to fall. their work, informing governments in
Europe and elsewhere of the decease
A PANDEMIC and its effects. If we succeed, we
The challenge of Green Amnesia can provide cleaner and healthier
is global. The decease constitutes communities for our people, while
a bigger problem than ever in improving the competitiveness of our
Washington, D.C., where especially businesses. If we fail, we will increase
one patient is in a stage of denial. the harm of climate change, including
Beijing is recovering, though from a more extreme weather conditions
very critical level, while Delhi could go that will accelerate problems such as
both ways. migration. l
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